Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT

On 5/12/2016 2:58 PM, Dan Gove wrote:
Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT



Something "like this" might work for you: $7

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ClosetMai...8002/100112252

Assembled size: 10.5 in. H x 11.375 in. W x 5 in. D

--
Maggie

My choice would be glass shelves that are clamped
into a track on the wall. You can buy them in most
hardware stores and probably at Loews/HD.

On 05/12/2016 02:58 PM, Dan Gove wrote:
Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT




I would not use particle board of any kind.
Since nothing heavy will go there, just a plastic shelf should be fine.

On Thu, 12 May 2016 15:58:57 -0400, Dan Gove
wrote:

Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT

Any kind of real wood would work. Rip a piece of 1x12 red oak or even
white wood (sold in short pieces at the HD/Lowes), seal it well and it
will last longer than all of us.
I have some ponderosa pine that has been in my bathroom 20 years. I
stained it a little darker and put some poly urethane on it.

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 3:59:02 PM UTC-4, Dan Gove wrote:
Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT

You could have a piece of 12" wide PVC fascia board cut to size.

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 6:38:36 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Thu, 12 May 2016 15:58:57 -0400, Dan Gove
wrote:

Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Dan G. in CT

Any kind of real wood would work. Rip a piece of 1x12 red oak or even
white wood (sold in short pieces at the HD/Lowes), seal it well and it
will last longer than all of us.
I have some ponderosa pine that has been in my bathroom 20 years. I
stained it a little darker and put some poly urethane on it.

I'm no expert on wood except for what I used to experience but isn't cedar resistant to damage from moisture? If my late friend GB was around I could ask him anything about lumber because he was a master cabinet maker who went to work in his older brother's cabinet shop when he was 10 years old. His knowledge of woodworking was unparalleled. I miss my friend. o_O

[8~{} Uncle Wooden Monster

On Thu, 12 May 2016 17:51:42 -0700 (PDT), Uncle Monster
wrote:

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 6:38:36 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Thu, 12 May 2016 15:58:57 -0400, Dan Gove
wrote:

Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Dan G. in CT

Any kind of real wood would work. Rip a piece of 1x12 red oak or even
white wood (sold in short pieces at the HD/Lowes), seal it well and it
will last longer than all of us.
I have some ponderosa pine that has been in my bathroom 20 years. I
stained it a little darker and put some poly urethane on it.

I'm no expert on wood except for what I used to experience but isn't cedar resistant to damage from moisture? If my late friend GB was around I could ask him anything about lumber because he was a master cabinet maker who went to work in his older brother's cabinet shop when he was 10 years old. His knowledge of woodworking was unparalleled. I miss my friend. o_O

[8~{} Uncle Wooden Monster

Cedar is good and if you are serious about it use cypress but that
ponderosa pine has been fine. Just be sure you seal it well.

Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

http://www.azek.com/products/trim/sheet

Various sizes available. Will last centuries.

Just use real varnish, several (at least 3) coats to water-proof it, not just a couple of squirts of something from a spray can.

On Thu, 12 May 2016 15:58:57 -0400, Dan Gove
wrote:

Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

How much handiness does the handiman have. If he's ready to paint or
polyurethane a piece of real wood, it will last longer than any of us.
Assuming you have a way to attach it, like a couple brackets and he
knows how to screw it to the wall or even the studs (unless it's a
tile wall.)

That assumes by moisture you mean moisture and not water sitting on
the shelf for hours at a time. (In fact if it's just humidity, it
wouldn't even have to be painted except for appearance.

And if you are disabled I think you could call Home Depot or whomever
and ask the wood department or building materials manager to keep his
eye open for when the cut a piece 10" wide that has a 15" piece left
over. I know most? people buy the whole board, but I think quite a
few??????? get them cut short before they leave.

You don't need cedar or cypress unless it does sit for hours with
puddles on it. or glass.. The closetmaid rack is only 5" deep.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT

On Thu, 12 May 2016 23:31:11 -0400, Micky
wrote:


And if you are disabled I think you could call Home Depot or whomever
and ask the wood department or building materials manager to keep his
eye open for when the cut a piece 10" wide that has a 15" piece left
over. I know most? people buy the whole board, but I think quite a
few??????? get them cut short before they leave.

He'll put it aside for you, but it will be harder to get someone to
remember to call you, and to be able to find your number when they
need it. And without that you won't know when to call him. But you
can talk to the guy and see how accomodating he is. Maybe he'll be
great. Quite a few people are. Maybe there is soemthing sitting
there already longer than 15" that he can cut for you.

On 05/12/2016 01:58 PM, Dan Gove wrote:
Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink.

Solid surface material from a store that sells kitchen countertops.

Azek material from a lumberyard.

Dan Gove posted for all of us...



Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT

Being disabled myself I use the wire type closet shelves. They can be cut to
size and the plastic bumpers put on the ends. They mount to a bookshelf type
rails and can be adjusted. I like the fact one can poke stuff from the
bottom if need be and have a natural ventilation. Closet Maid is a
manufacturer IIRC.

I would use a plastic material rather than wood if you want a solid surface.
Make certain the are fastened to the hangers because my experience a regular
type shelf will off to the ends or toward you if not loaded properly.

Please let us know how you proceed as I'm always willing to steal a good
idea.

--
Tekkie